Thank you again Mary for sharing your memoir with us here. I hope it continues to bring new readers to you, and also stimulate new writing and ideas. Lots of love.
what a beautiful message to end with and not atypical by a long shot loved this story its steady unfurling but like sails with mysterious wind from all direction and a compass at times not easy to parse but which guides somehow true so true xo
Mary, what a treasure it was to experience your story in this way. I feel blessed to have been given a front row seat. I had to consume it in small bites over some time as it was so rich and filling. I wish you all the best and look forward to more of your writing.
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your memoir with us, Mary. It's been a remarkable experience to follow it—instructive and moving as well as so enjoyable. Thank you!
Yes... permissions. I am sure it cost you. But oh how wonderful reading all of this has been! It has been extraordinary. I think about how many times it is pain that gives us the best of ourselves. It cracks us open, and whatever we were suffocating inside is finally able to breathe. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a blessing, Mary. <3
You are so kind. The permissions issue falls on this: each quote was fully annotated, meaning author and source included in the text. I will explain more fully when and if I write about this, but let me add that every author was given not only the annotation but also the context and every author who was alive gave me permission, including after Updike had died, his estate and publisher named the uses "free and fair" use. The most difficult was the estate of T.S. Eliot--and the permission for a quote from _The Four Quartets_ was the most extraordinarily expensive and difficult to get.
I thank you so for this lovely comment. More to come when I have more time to write that essay on "permissions"-- but still not sure if that is worth my time. My heart to yours, Zina.
I have definitely heard that about Eliot’s estate. Very frustrating. I find permissions quite interesting as I have had friends who have put together anthologies. It is interesting to me how artists and estates deal with other artists. If you ever want to write an essay, I will read it. But of course, it has to be worth your time and energy. ❤️
I will remember this. It’s tempting to “borrow” with the thought that no one will notice. As a new writer, I’ve made some disastrous mistakes. I appreciate your kind advice.
Oh, Mary, my advice is don't quote. Since the beginning of the memoir was written as a blog before a publisher picked it up, I had no idea what the permissions would cost and how comprehensive the work would be to get them from writers who had died. I may do an essay about this soon. xx Mary
Thank you again Mary for sharing your memoir with us here. I hope it continues to bring new readers to you, and also stimulate new writing and ideas. Lots of love.
What a pleasure you're been to have as a reader.
what a beautiful message to end with and not atypical by a long shot loved this story its steady unfurling but like sails with mysterious wind from all direction and a compass at times not easy to parse but which guides somehow true so true xo
Beautifully and generously expressed, Appleton--like poetry.
Mary, what a treasure it was to experience your story in this way. I feel blessed to have been given a front row seat. I had to consume it in small bites over some time as it was so rich and filling. I wish you all the best and look forward to more of your writing.
You are so lovely!
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your memoir with us, Mary. It's been a remarkable experience to follow it—instructive and moving as well as so enjoyable. Thank you!
Thank you, Jeffrey, You've been a marvelous reader and supporter.
So much love.❤️
Yes... permissions. I am sure it cost you. But oh how wonderful reading all of this has been! It has been extraordinary. I think about how many times it is pain that gives us the best of ourselves. It cracks us open, and whatever we were suffocating inside is finally able to breathe. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a blessing, Mary. <3
You are so kind. The permissions issue falls on this: each quote was fully annotated, meaning author and source included in the text. I will explain more fully when and if I write about this, but let me add that every author was given not only the annotation but also the context and every author who was alive gave me permission, including after Updike had died, his estate and publisher named the uses "free and fair" use. The most difficult was the estate of T.S. Eliot--and the permission for a quote from _The Four Quartets_ was the most extraordinarily expensive and difficult to get.
I thank you so for this lovely comment. More to come when I have more time to write that essay on "permissions"-- but still not sure if that is worth my time. My heart to yours, Zina.
Also Four Quartets related: Alec Guinness doing a reading of Eliot’s masterpiece:
https://on.soundcloud.com/kwkfvEG9jQjy29Cv6
I have definitely heard that about Eliot’s estate. Very frustrating. I find permissions quite interesting as I have had friends who have put together anthologies. It is interesting to me how artists and estates deal with other artists. If you ever want to write an essay, I will read it. But of course, it has to be worth your time and energy. ❤️
Thank you for connecting our hearts.
You helped connect my broken heart. My thanks to you, Bill.
I will remember this. It’s tempting to “borrow” with the thought that no one will notice. As a new writer, I’ve made some disastrous mistakes. I appreciate your kind advice.
Mary, thank you for sharing this. You are a wise and thoughtful writer, and I have much to learn from your kindness.
My dear, you are gifted. Don't forget that. My heart to yours, Mary
You got the right (write?) family Mary : ) Congrats on the memoir
Oh, Richard, your double entendre is perfect. My thanks for your read and your comments. xx Mary
Thank you Mary for sharing such beautiful and heartfelt writing. Your memoir, like your other books, sit by me as I write, as I take risks. xo
Oh, Isabelle, your words here mean so much to me. My heart to yours, Mary
Thank you Mary for a wonderful reading experience.
I'm so grateful you took the time to read, David, with such feeling and thought and heart. xx
we are glad on your behalf
Thank you so. xx ~ Mary
Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Mary. The best memoirs teach me about my own life, which yours has done abundantly.
What an endearing thought, Joshua. You have a good heart. xx ~Mary
Oh, Mary, my advice is don't quote. Since the beginning of the memoir was written as a blog before a publisher picked it up, I had no idea what the permissions would cost and how comprehensive the work would be to get them from writers who had died. I may do an essay about this soon. xx Mary